The Georgia House of Representatives on Friday approved legislation to allow individuals to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a license from the state.
House Bill 1358, known as a “constitutional carry” bill, will strengthen Second Amendment rights of citizens in the state, supporters of the bill argue.
However, the purchase of a gun would still lead to a background check in an effort to block criminals from obtaining the weapon.
Previously, the Georgia Senate passed a similar version of the legislation. SB 319 cleared the chamber, gaining 31 co-sponsors from Republican lawmakers from across the state.
The two versions, passed by the House and Senate, must be reconciled in order for final approval from the legislature. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signaled strong support for the legislation, as his signature is required for the text to become law.
“Throughout the last three legislative sessions, we have worked together to toughen penalties for violent crime, crack down on gangs and street racing, and ban the radical ‘Defund the Police’ agenda,” said Governor Kemp previously. “We’ve made great progress under the Gold Dome, but we know ensuring public safety cannot just come from state government. Building a safer, stronger Georgia starts with Georgians being able to protect themselves and their families.”
“In the face of rising crime across the country, law-abiding citizens should have their constitutional rights protected – not undermined. As I said on the campaign trail in 2018, I believe the U.S. Constitution grants our citizens the right to carry a firearm without the approval of government. For law-abiding Georgians, the 2nd Amendment is their carry permit, and I look forward to working with members of the General Assembly to get Constitutional Carry across the finish line this legislative session.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
